BSO Puts Cop Impersonator in Real Handcuffs

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The Broward Sheriff’s Office arrested a Coral Springs man Friday that it said was performing fake traffic stops while pretending to be an employee of the sheriff’s office.

BSO said the man, Tiago Monteiro, was driving a dark Volvo June 6 on North Federal Highway when he felt like a teenager had cut him off. According to the BSO, Monteiro stopped his car in front of hers, walked up to her car and flashed an ID on a lanyard.

BSO said Monteiro told the teenaged driver he worked for the Sheriff’s Office and asked to see her license and registration. The Sheriff’s Office said Monteiro told the girl she could go with only a warning.

A few hours later, the BSO said Monteiro pulled the same trick on an adult man driving in Boca Raton. BSO said this time Monteiro told the man he worked as a BSO detention technician and flashed a work ID that actually came from a telemarketing job.

According to the BSO, Monteiro asked to see the victim’s license and registration, he again said he could go without a warning. However, the driver was suspicious and took pictures of Monteiro, his car, and the tag on the car.

BSO said Monteiro has never been employed by the sheriff’s office, but has applied 14 times. The Sheriff’s Office also said Monteiro has a history of mental health issues.

Detectives said there may be more victims and ask that anyone who may have been stopped by Monteiro to call the BSO at 954-321-1100 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).